One Dolphins defensive lineman signing would seem to be sufficient for the Raiders. You would expect that the remaining offseason will target other places of need, especially with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins being Christian Wilkins (cough secondary cough).
However, you would be mistaken. Other suggestions were made by ESPN, which was detailed in their most recent NFL article titled “Best NFL team fits for remaining free agents, trade candidates.”
They examine some of the most interesting unsigned free agents currently available and assign them to teams in the vein of Madden. It’s unfortunate that they managed to include all three of the major corner free agents—Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard, and Steven Nelson—without bringing any of them to Vegas.
ESPN doesn’t completely disregard the Raiders, either, as they have Vegas making a big play for Emmanuel Ogbah, another Dolphins defensive lineman.
Raiders are a ‘best fit’ to land another former Dolphins defensive starter
“Maxx Crosby is a blue-chip player, and I see Malcolm Koonce as an ascending talent,” the piece states. “With Christian Wilkins, the recently signed defensive lineman, the Raiders now have two effective edge defenders to complement him.
Nevertheless, a rotational pass-rusher is still needed, which makes place for Ogbah. In his eight seasons in the league, he has accumulated 42 sacks, including five that he recorded in Miami the previous season. When you play in the same division as Patrick Mahomes, you can never have too many pass rushers.”
All of this is true, on the one hand, completely. Although the Raiders’ defensive line features two studs, their edge depth is questionable. Not even one mention of Tyree Wilson is a little depressing, but that’s what happens when your rookie season consists of 3.5 sacks and 0 starts.
However, Ogbah would make perfect sense, and it certainly wouldn’t hurt that he knew Wilkins. However, the answer is no! Take care of the backup! Gilmore is standing there!
